What’s Your Point?

September 14, 2015

One thing you will need to decide when you are writing a story is what point of view (POV) you will use. There are advantages and disadvantages to each point of view; you just need to figure out which one works best for what you want to convey. Let’s go into what each point of view is and the pros and cons of each one.

First Person POV:Writing in the first person puts the reader in the character’s shoes. In the first person, you will use pronouns such as I, my and we.

Advantages

You create a level of intimacy with the main character.

It’s easy to add twists into the story because the reader’s knowledge is limited to one character.

Disadvantages

There is a limited view on the story; it’s only one person’s perspective.

Things may not be seen from an objective point, since all opinions and views are from one character.

You can also use first person point of view to show views of multiple characters if you think it would be beneficial to the story and more enjoyable for the reader. If you employ this method don’t switch points of view too often or the reader will become confused.

Second Person POV: The second person POV is not used very often. The narrator is talking directly to you, telling you what you are doing and how you are feeling.

Advantages:

Reader can easily become immersed in the story.

It will take readers out of their comfort zones since it is rarely used.

Disadvantages:

If readers do not see themselves as the character, it can be difficult for them to get into the story.

The writing can often seem forced in this point of view.

Third Person POV:This is the most common point of view used in fiction writing. Pronouns used when writing in third person include he, she and they.

Advantages:

This gives you more freedom as an author.

The reader has more information and there is a broader perspective of the story.

Disadvantages:

There is less intimacy with the main character.

It is more difficult to convey urgency and show what is happening in the present.

Now that you know more about the different points of view in writing and the pros and cons of each, you can pick the one that is right for your story.

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